How does an animal's habitat affect its survival?

Habitat Bound! Rich Performance Task

The western meadowlark, camel, red-eyed tree frog, and the polar bear have gotten lost from their natural habitats. Since they cannot find their way home, they cannot find food or shelter to survive. You are a proactive second grader who can help to save their lives by bringing these animals back to their correct habitats of either the arctic, desert, rain forest, or the woodland forest.Ready, set, go!

Helpful questions and support.

What is a habitat? (definition)What is an ecosystem? Watch a video and find out!! (Video)What is an environment? (definition)What are some characteristics of a desert, rain forest, woodland forest, and the arctic? (learn more here)What types of animals would you find in each environment? (search)

Gather and Sort

Use this graphic organizer and some of these sources to help you to research a little bit about each of the four habitats:

Use this internet, libraary books, and some of these sources to collect and organize your information on one of the following assigned animals: (Your teacher may also allow you to select a different animal.)

Organize:Study the information you have gathered on the four habitats and your specific animal to determine which living environment would be the most appropriate home for your animal.Combine what you have learned and read about to create a diorama displaying parts of your animal’s habitat. Your teacher will provide you with more information about your diorama.(These links will also help you with more directions.)

Diorama directionsDiorama checklistPresentation:As a final presentation, you will present your diorama to your teacher and class, explaining the details of what you included in your habitat and how they might help your animal survive. Your teacher may also have you write a reflection, report, or an electronic presentation about your project, animal and the habitat that your animal returned to live in.